Can an interior lighting module (strip) made for DC be modified to work on DCC and if so what is needed? I have the Walthers interior light kits on several passenger cars and need to make them compatible with DCC operation.
Thank you
Walt
You'll need to use something with a bridge rectifier to convert the AC-like DCC current to DC. I would suggest using this DC power source that Ngineering offers. It is designed to work with their lighting simulators and the price for the power source isn't too bad either. In the diagram that is in the first link I showed, the DC power source is connected to a simulator (first colored illustration). I'm pretty sure that the outputs that are coming from the power source can be connected to any other module as long as the voltages are kept in check.
Your mission: You'll need a way to get power from the tracks through an electrical pick-up system, a way to convert the AC-like current to DC (like the one I suggested), and your interior lighting module. On top of that, you'll need pretty good soldering skills. Good luck to ya.
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)
Nothing is necessary -- just put them on the track and run them. The Walthers interior lighting strips already have a rectifier, voltage regulator, and resistors on them and should work just like they are. Two club members installed the Walthers DC passenger car lighting kits in their cars and they are running just fine on a DCC layout.
I agree with cacole, nothing is necessary.
In fact, I have about 12-15 older Athern, Rivarossi, and Mantua lighted passenger cars operating fine on my DCC layout. I have always intended dig into them and convert them to LED operation with a capacitor to help eliminate ocasional flickering lights. This would also reduce the load on my boosters.
However, I have never gotten around to it.
(I always seem a little short of "Round Tuits!")
The Walthers DCC lighting strips are cheaper because they have NOTHING on them, just the bulbs and contacts. You can see the extra holes in the pc board for the capacitors, rectifier and resistors that the DC board uses. You should be able to use the DC board on DCC with out removing that stuff.
Phil
Timber Head Eastern Railroad "THE Railroad Through the Sierras"